Henry H. Arnhold
Arnhold Hall, dedicated on December 10, 2003, is a world-class facility for all students and faculty, as well as for the public, that enables the University to enhance its educational, research and programming mission. Arnhold Hall is at the geographic center of New School University’s campus, and it is central to the University’s plans for the future.
The Arnhold family has a deep-rooted tradition of civic engagement and philanthropy, providing resources and opportunities for education, the performing arts, environmental conservation and protection, and social and human services in New York and Germany. New School University has been most fortunate to experience this family commitment, which Henry Arnhold passionately embraces and continues. Henry’s family’s affiliation with the New School began in 1944, when his uncle Hans Arnhold became a charter member of the New School Associates. This generous act was on behalf of the Arnhold family, including Henry, who came to the United States after a perilous flight from Nazi Germany. He has been a trustee since 1985, a member of the Graduate Faculty’s Board of Governors and a dedicated and innovative leader of the Investment Committee and the Fund for New Initiatives. Once described as having characteristics that resonate magically with the inner soul of this University, Henry has brought wisdom, vision and unwavering support to the task of strengthening and enhancing every part of the New School.
Sheila C. Johnson
The Sheila C. Johnson Center for Design, at the corner of 13th Street and Fifth Avenue, is made possible by Sheila’s visionary gift to Parsons School of Design. This center will enhance Parsons’s public identity and service. The gift will creatively link student and public spaces and establish a showcase space for admissions tours, acting as a general aid for recruitment, outreach and development. The focus on the center will build on recent investments at Arnhold Hall and help establish the beginnings of a “campus corridor” along 13th Street.
Co-founder of Black Entertainment Television, teacher and accomplished musician, Sheila Johnson has become one of the nation’s most important philanthropists, especially in education and the arts. We are honored that Sheila chose to become involved with Parsons and the University and grateful for her support to help maintain our leading position in design education. But her engagement goes far beyond her philanthropy. A member of the Parsons Board of Governors since 2002 and a trustee since 2003, Sheila also serves on the Buildings and Grounds Committee of the board of trustees and as chair of the Parsons Development subcommittee. She also has been the lead contributor to Diversity in Design, a new Parsons initiative dedicated to attracting students of color into the design disciplines. Her influence in revitalizing the campus, attracting new levels of support and redefining design education at the University is immeasurable.
Eugene M. Lang
The Theresa Lang Community and Student Center, dedicated on December 10, 2003, creates the opportunity for expanding the University’s liberal arts, cultural and continuing education offerings. This space, located on the second floor of Arnhold Hall, is fast becoming one of the most important classrooms and gathering places for students, and it is a vital part of the University’s effort to improve the quality of student life on campus.
Theresa and Eugene Lang have long been champions of opportunity. Theresa, known for her warmth and affectionate caring, has a keen interest in the University and in its students. Eugene Lang College, dedicated in 1985, and the “I Have a Dream” Foundation are just two examples of Gene’s profound dedication to reciprocating the gift of education. A trustee of the New School since 1978, Gene has been a force in helping the University remain true to its founding principles. Gene’s conviction that liberal arts education in the most fundamental sense is the foundation for a free and democratic society animates his philanthropic endeavors, and his intellectual foresight, imagination and energy inspire us with hope and social commitment. Through his magnificent gift of the college and his tireless support of learning, Gene continues to open the way for our students to lead more meaningful, responsible and productive lives.
Philip Scaturro
Scaturro House, dedicated on September 22, 2003, is the newly renovated home of the University’s president. This mid-nineteenth-century townhouse underwent a full exterior restoration and redesign of all interior spaces, including the addition of a new garden and conservatory. The transformation explored the interrelationship of the public and private realms and creatively combines private and public arrangements of space, allowing the structure to be used simultaneously for official functions and as a home.
A lifelong supporter of education and the arts, Philip Scaturro has provided outstanding leadership in a number of critically important roles at the University. A member of the Mannes Board of Governors, a trustee since 1989, and a former treasurer of the board of trustees, Phil served as chancellor of the University from 1999 to 2002. His great skill in working with others and furthering consensus enabled the University to progress academically and financially and to maintain stability while it searched for a new president. Having assured a smooth transition, Phil became chairman of the board in July 2002. A wise and deeply committed leader, Phil has fully engaged the board through his deep understanding of every major issue. Through his warm and optimistic stewardship of the board, Phil continues to have a profound influence on shaping the future of the New School.
John L. Tishman
The Tishman Gallery, dedicated on December 10, 2003, creates the opportunity for new programming. The Tishman Gallery has already become the favorite place for the New School’s most important social gatherings, and it will also showcase the University’s extensive art collection. Gracing one wall of the second-floor gallery and the ground floor is a new wall drawing, 1073 Bars of Color (New School), by Sol LeWitt. This gift, created by Mr. LeWitt for the University, is the latest and greatest addition to the University art collection.
Like the New School, which is essentially an institution for the people, especially the people of New York, John Tishman has strived throughout his career to improve this city and the lives of its citizens. As chairman of Tishman Realty & Construction, a New York company founded by his grandfather in 1898, John has been at the forefront in building and rebuilding the city, at the same time pioneering innovative construction methods that are better, safer and environmentally friendly. John’s powerful sense of responsibility has benefited numerous institutions, and when he became a trustee in 1981 he brought his talent for being a trailblazer to the University. He not only has transformed our physical campus, but has also sharpened and shaped the University’s intellectual mission and its curriculum with his insight into the potential of new academic programs and technologies. Through his leadership and vision, John has been pivotal in bringing the city and the New School into the twenty-first century.
